COAL CONCEPTS PROFICIENCY TESTING GENERAL ANALYSIS … · SABS Commercial SOC Ltd Uitkomst SABS Commercial SOC Ltd Secunda SPTE Lab - Middelburg SABS Commercial SOC Ltd Richards bay

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COAL CONCEPTS PROFICIENCY TESTING

GENERAL ANALYSIS SAMPLE

REPORT EIGHTY-THREE

Revision 00

Final report

DATE ISSUED: 30 SEPTEMBER 2018

PARTICIPANT

SCHEME COORDINATOR: K MUNSAMY

SIGNATURE: _____________________

CHECKED BY: R BABOOLAL (SCHEME MANAGER)

Disclaimer: Opinions and interpretations expressed herein are outside the scope of SANAS accreditation *Moisture in the analysis sample is not included in the SANAS schedule of accreditation as robust statistics cannot be applied.

Chlorine, Fluorine, Quick ash, ASTM ash and ASTM Volatiles is not included in the scope of accreditation.

THINKING QUALITY, QUALITY THINKING

REGISTRATION NUMBER: 2006/149731/23 (RMB INDUSTRIAL STATIONERS cc t/a)

81 CERAMIC CURVE, ALTON, RICHARDS BAY 3900 l TEL: +27(0)35 751 2446 l CEL: +27(0)83 6500151 l FAX: 0862605793

E-MAIL: [email protected]

LABORATORY CODE:

mailto:[email protected]

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

1. One hundred and ten samples were sent to participants with 109 timeous result submissions

2. The total number of outliers found were as follows (dry base):

Chlorine x 1

Quick Ash x 1

ISO Ash x 2

ISO Volatile Matter x 5

Sulphur x 5

Phosphorous x 2

AFT Softening x 4

AFT Hemisphere x 2

AFT Flow x 2

3. Nitrogen, Chlorine, Fluorine, ASTM Ash & ASTM Volatile Matter participants were insufficient to warrant robust statistical calculations. The average result was used as the assigned value.

4. Trending for your laboratory is as follows:

Page 3 of 22

TABLE OF CONTENTS

ITEM

PAGE NUMBER

Letter to participant

4

List of participants

5

Type of sample used

6

Preparation of sample

6

Homogeneity check

6

Stability check

7

ISO Ash data

8

ISO Ash z-score trend

9

Quick Ash data & trend 10

ISO Volatile matter data

11

ISO Volatile matter z-score trend

12

Calorific value data

13

Calorific value z-score trend

14

Total sulphur data

15

Total sulphur z-score trend

16

Phosphorous data and Z-Score trend

17

Carbon data / Hydrogen data / Nitrogen data

18

AFT data and z-scores

19

ASTM Ash and ASTM Volatile matter, Chlorine & Fluorine 20

Conclusion

21

Terms & Conditions 22

Page 4 of 22

Dear Participant

RE: PROFICIENCY TESTING RESULTS FOR THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER 2018

Thank you for your participation in the Coal Concepts proficiency testing scheme.

Your laboratory code is

All results are totally confidential. Any results in Bold, Italics and Underlined are outliers. Where applicable, the most

extreme outliers have been eliminated from calculations using the Grubbs estimate for outliers. Robust statistics has been

applied where possible. Analysis results have been reported on air dry and dry base. The dry base results have been used

to calculate the z-scores.

Please take note of the following:

1. Z-scores between -1 and +1 is deemed acceptable

2. Z-scores between -2 and -3 should serve as a warning that the analysis result could get worse

3. Z-scores between +2 and +3 should also serve as a warning that analysis results could get worse.

4. Z- scores lower than -3 and exceeding +3 should warrant an investigation

5. Compare your result to the robust average which will be the assigned value. The measurement of uncertainty (UoM) of

the results is also stated.

6. All calculations can be made available upon request

The Coal Concepts scheme adheres to the requirements of ISO/IEC 17043:2010 – Conformity assessment – General

requirements for proficiency testing.

Statistical analysis has been carried out using ISO/IEC 13528:2015-Statistical methods for use in proficiency testing by

interlaboratory comparisons

Please find results attached together with Z-score trends.

Best Regards

R Baboolal

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LIST OF PARTICIPANTS IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER

Arcelor Mittal - Vanderbijl Park Arcelor Mittal - Newcastle

Anglo SOC - Goedehoop Colliery South Plant Anglo SOC - Goedehoop Colliery North Plant

Anglo SOC - Kleinkopje Colliery Anglo SOC - Greenside Colliery

Anglo SOC - Landau Colliery Alfred H Knight -Richards Bay Laboratory

ALS - Phalandwa ALS - Witlab

Afrisam - Dudfield Afrisam - Ulco

AquaSpecto Bureau Veritas - Nacala

Bureau Veritas Inspectorate Laboratories - Tendele Bureau Veritas Inspectorate Laboratories - Beira

Bureau Veritas Inspectorate Laboratories - Alton Bureau Veritas Testing & Inspection SA - Pretoria

Bureau Veritas Inspectorate Laboratories - Middelburg Castle Peak Power Station – Hong Kong

Bureau Veritas – Moatize, Vale CoalLab Pty Ltd - Uitgevallen

CoalLab Pty Ltd - Lurco CoalLab Pty Ltd - Phola

CoalLab Pty Ltd – Tselentis CoalLab Pty Ltd - Kangala

CoalLab Pty Ltd - Middelburg CoalLab Pty Ltd - Umlabu

CoalLab Pty Ltd - Droogvallei CoalLab Pty Ltd - VDD

CoalLab Pty Ltd - AMR Delmas Coal

Eyethu Coal Exxaro Resources - Grootegeluk Mine

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd – Kendal Power station Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd - Duvha Power Station

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd – Lethabo Power Station Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd - Komati Power Station

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd - Tutuka Power Station Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd - Grootvlei Power Station

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd - ERID Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd - Kriel Power Station

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd - Hendrina Power Station Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd - Matimba Power Station

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd - Arnot Power Station Exxaro Resources - Matla Mine

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd - Matla Power Station Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd – Medupi Power Station

Eskom Holdings SOC Ltd – Majuba Power Station G&W Base & Industrial Minerals

Glencore Wonderkop Glencore -Rustenburg Smelter

Glencore Boshoek Smelter Glencore -Lydenburg Smelter

Glencore Lion Smelter GLI Laboratuvar Sube Mudurlugu Komur Deney Laboratuvari - Turkey

HighVeld Laboratories Idwala Lime

Intertek Mozambique Jindal Mining SA (Pty) Ltd - Kiepersol Colliery

Kangra Coal (Pty) Ltd Lafarge Industries SA (Pty) Ltd - Lichtenburg

Morupule Coal Mine - Botswana Mafube Colliery Mine pty (ltd)

Martech Marine surveyors - India Makomo Resources

Msobo Coal Pty Ltd Mitra SK South Africa (Pty) Ltd

M L Coal Noko Analytical Services CC - Welgemeend

Mpumamanzi Noko Analytical Services CC - Twistdraai

Noko Analytical Services CC - Witbank Noko Analytical Services CC - Hakahno

Richards Bay Minerals Ronewa Lab

Seriti - Kriel Colliery Seriti - New Vaal Colliery

Siza Coal Services - Dundee Siza Coal Services - Vlakfontein

Siza Coal Services - Botswana Siza Coal Services - Kinross

Siza Coal Services - Middelburg Siza Coal Services - NCC

Siza Coal Services - Carolina Siza Coal Services - Eastside

Siza Coal Services - Wildfontein Siza Coal Services - Mooiplaats

South 32 – Khutala Colliery SABS Commercial SOC Ltd Springlake

Sibonisiwe Coal Laboratory Services CC – Rirhandzu Lab Sibonisiwe Coal Laboratory Services CC - West Coal Processing

Sibonisiwe Coal Laboratory Services CC Sibonisiwe Coal Laboratory Services CC – Mzimkhulu

Sibonisiwe Coal Laboratory Services CC – Elandsfontein Sibonisiwe Coal Laboratory Services CC - Vaalbult

SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd – Richards Bay Coal Terminal Laboratory SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Leeuwpan Laboratory

SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Trichardt Laboratory SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd – Richards Bay Port Laboratory

SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd – GGV Laboratory SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Middelburg Laboratory

SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Impunzi Laboratory SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Wondefontein Laboratory

SABS Commercial SOC Ltd Sudor SGS Tweefontein

SABS Commercial SOC Ltd CSIR SGS South Africa (Pty) Ltd - Chilwavuhusiku Laboratory

SABS Commercial SOC Ltd Uitkomst SABS Commercial SOC Ltd Secunda

SPTE Lab - Middelburg SABS Commercial SOC Ltd Richards bay

Tata Steel – Wales Lab, Europe

UIS Analytical Services Umzamo Analytical Services - Londani

Umzamo Analytical Services - Overlooked Colliery Umzamo Analytical Services - Witbank

Umzamo Analytical Services - Doornrug Vitrovian Analytical Services DELMAS

Vitrovian Analytical Services Koornfontein Vitrovian Analytical Services Umlalazi

Zululand Anthracite Colliery Vinca Institute for Nuclear Sciences - Serbia

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1. TYPE OF SAMPLE USED

The coal used in this proficiency testing round was bituminous coal from Mpumalanga.

2. PREPARATION OF SAMPLE

Approximately 800kg’s of sample with an approximate topsize of 50mm was sourced. This was crushed to -4mm

using a jaw crusher. The -4mm material was reduced to -212um using a cross beat pulveriser. The 212 material

was sieved using a 212um screen. Any +212um material was pulverised and sieved until all material passed

through the 212 um sieve.

All the -212um material was then mixed in a mixing drum for 4 hours.

3. HOMOGENEITY CHECK

There were 109 participants in this round, 20 portions of sample were randomly extracted from the 800kg

sample. These were packaged in their final form i.e. in 200ml sample bottles. The bottles were labelled 1 to 20.

The results were as follows:

SAMPLE NO.

TEST PORTION 1

TEST PORTION

2 sample av (Xt)

range (Wt)

range sqd

1 14,44 14,25 14,35 0,19 0,0361

2 14,50 14,4 14,45 0,10 0,0100

3 14,41 14,35 14,38 0,06 0,0036

4 14,52 14,42 14,47 0,10 0,0100

5 14,37 14,17 14,27 0,20 0,0400

6 14,58 14,27 14,43 0,31 0,0961

7 14,41 14,47 14,44 0,06 0,0036

8 14,41 14,31 14,36 0,10 0,0100

9 14,47 14,34 14,41 0,13 0,0169

10 14,43 14,37 14,40 0,06 0,0036

11 14,46 14,31 14,39 0,15 0,0225

12 14,35 14,41 14,38 0,06 0,0036

13 14,33 14,31 14,32 0,02 0,0004

14 14,36 14,43 14,40 0,07 0,0049

15 14,35 14,43 14,39 0,08 0,0064

16 14,50 14,22 14,36 0,28 0,0784

17 14,28 14,45 14,37 0,17 0,0289

18 14,45 14,45 14,45 0,00 0,0000

19 14,44 14,31 14,38 0,13 0,0169

20 14,24 14,27 14,26 0,03 0,001

GENERAL AVERAGE 14,38 STANDARD DEVIATION 0,055 WITHIN SAMPLE STANDARD DEVIATION 0,099 BETWEEN SAMPLE STANDARD DEVIATION 0,043

The between sample standard deviation must be ≤ 0.3 x ơ

(ơ = std deviation for the proficiency assessment)

Ơ = 2% of the mean was used, which is the repeatability for ISO ash (Ash % > 10%)

Hence 0.3 x 0.288 = 0.086

Since 0.043 < 0.086 the samples are homogenous

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4. STABILITY CHECK Samples were retained for sales as reference material. Twenty of them were randomly chosen for stability

testing. In order for the proficiency testing samples to be declared stable the general average from the homogeneity

check and that of the stability check the difference in the general average should not differ by more than 0.3 X

precision

This test has been carried out about a month after the samples were received by the participating laboratories

SAMPLE NO.

TEST PORTION 1

TEST PORTION

2 sample av (Xt)

range (Wt)

range sqd

1 14,33 14,42 14,38 0,09 0,0081

2 14,30 14,37 14,34 0,07 0,0049

3 14,36 14,46 14,41 0,10 0,0100

4 14,42 14,38 14,40 0,04 0,0016

5 14,38 14,33 14,36 0,05 0,0025

6 14,49 14,53 14,51 0,04 0,0016

7 14,32 14,42 14,37 0,10 0,0100

8 14,32 14,47 14,40 0,15 0,0225

9 14,44 14,19 14,32 0,25 0,0625

10 14,48 14,27 14,38 0,21 0,0441

11 14,47 14,34 14,41 0,13 0,0169

12 14,50 14,40 14,45 0,10 0,0100

13 14,31 14,46 14,39 0,15 0,0225

14 14,38 14,40 14,39 0,02 0,0004

15 14,47 14,33 14,40 0,14 0,0196

16 14,49 14,25 14,37 0,24 0,0576

17 14,51 14,46 14,49 0,05 0,0025

18 14,05 14,44 14,25 0,39 0,1521

19 14,41 14,40 14,41 0,01 0,0001

20 14,33 14,29 14,31 0,04 0,002

GENERAL AVERAGE 14,38 STANDARD DEVIATION 0,059 WITHIN SAMPLE STANDARD DEVIATION 0,106 BETWEEN SAMPLE STANDARD DEVIATION 0,047

(Ơ = 0.253 was used)

For this report 0.3 x 0.288 = 0.086

Absolute value of (14.38 – 14.38) = 0.00

Since 0.0 < 0.086 the proficiency testing samples were stable

Page 8 of 22

COAL CONCEPTS - PROFICIENCY TESTING -SEPTEMBER 2018

ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : ISO ASH (%)

LAB ID MOISTURE IN ANALYSIS SAMPLE (%) AIR DRY (%) DRY BASE (%) Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)

1a 3,06 14,32 14,77 0,60

6a 1,99 14,36 14,65 -0,27

7a 2,88 14,34 14,77 0,55

9a 1,88 14,30 14,57 -0,83

10a 2,40 14,20 14,55 -1,01

12a 2,70 14,30 14,70 0,06

15a 2,54 14,74 15,12 3,15

18a 2,76 14,36 14,77 0,57

20a 2,72 14,18 14,58 -0,81

21a 2,23 14,30 14,63 -0,45

23a 2,38 14,42 14,77 0,60

24a 2,50 14,34 14,71 0,14

26a 1,64 14,51 14,75 0,46

27a 2,50 14,30 14,67 -0,16

28a 2,25 14,50 14,83 1,05

30a 1,67 14,37 14,61 -0,54

32a 2,00 14,30 14,59 -0,70

33a 2,10 14,20 14,50 -1,33

35a 2,47 14,31 14,67 -0,12

36a 2,20 14,40 14,72 0,25

38a 2,55 14,02 14,39 -2,19

40a 2,47 14,46 14,83 0,99

42a 2,06 14,60 14,91 1,58

44a 2,83 14,33 14,75 0,42

49a 1,76 14,54 14,80 0,81

58a 1,96 14,34 14,63 -0,45

59a 2,24 14,33 14,66 -0,22

60a 2,38 14,37 14,72 0,23

61a 2,10 14,20 14,50 -1,33

65a 2,90 14,00 14,42 -1,96

66a 1,98 14,50 14,79 0,75

67a 2,60 14,40 14,78 0,69

69a 2,58 14,28 14,66 -0,22

72a 2,55 14,04 14,41 -2,04

76a 1,93 14,50 14,79 0,70

78a 1,89 14,24 14,51 -1,26

79a 2,87 14,29 14,71 0,17

80a 2,07 14,35 14,65 -0,26

82a 2,50 14,30 14,67 -0,16

88a 2,75 14,38 14,79 0,71

92a 2,83 14,17 14,58 -0,77

95a 2,40 14,23 14,58 -0,79

96a 1,67 14,75 15,00 2,26

97a 1,67 14,55 14,80 0,78

98a 2,30 14,48 14,82 0,96

99a 2,30 14,40 14,74 0,36

100a 1,61 14,28 14,51 -1,27

101a 2,62 14,40 14,79 0,71

105a 1,80 14,50 14,77 0,56

106a 2,88 14,36 14,79 0,70

107a 2,63 14,36 14,75 0,43

108a 2,70 14,33 14,73 0,28

109a 2,80 14,40 14,81 0,91

110a 1,87 14,37 14,64 -0,33

112a 2,10 14,40 14,71 0,14

117a 2,28 14,38 14,72 0,19

124a 1,95 14,42 14,71 0,13

126a 2,30 14,29 14,63 -0,45

131a 2,32 14,27 14,61 -0,58

132a 2,27 14,31 14,64 -0,34

135a 2,27 12,88 13,18 -10,93

136a 2,28 14,25 14,58 -0,77

137a 2,27 14,29 14,62 -0,49

139a 2,80 14,25 14,66 -0,21

143a 1,75 14,30 14,55 -0,97

145a 2,37 14,30 14,65 -0,30

151a 2,03 14,46 14,76 0,51

165a 1,68 14,46 14,71 0,13

167a 2,06 14,58 14,89 1,43

168a 3,51 14,53 15,06 2,68

169a 1,70 14,43 14,68 -0,07

170a 2,40 14,30 14,65 -0,27

171a 2,68 14,06 14,45 -1,75

175a 1,53 14,49 14,72 0,19

177a 1,47 16,45 16,70 14,53

180a 2,23 14,07 14,39 -2,16

Number of results - 76 76 76 -

OUTLIERS - - 2 2 -

AVERAGE - 2,31 14,35 14,69 -

STD DEVIATION - - 0,14 0,14 -

MEDIAN 14,34 14,70

ROBUST AVERAGE - - 14,35 14,69 -

ROBUST STD DEVIATION - - 0,15 0,15 -

UoM 0,01 0,02

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-3,00

-2,00

-1,00

0,00

1,00

2,00

3,00

Z-SC

OR

E

LABORATORY ID

ISO ASH Z-SCORE TREND

Page 10 of 22 COAL CONCEPTS - PROFICIENCY TESTING -SEPTEMBER 2018

ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : QUICK ASH (%)

LAB ID MOISTURE IN ANALYSIS SAMPLE (%) AIR DRY (%) DRY BASE (%)

Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)

8a 2,55 14,13 14,50 -0,86

21a 2,23 14,18 14,50 -0,83

22a 1,74 14,19 14,44 -1,23

23a 2,38 14,30 14,65 0,08

24a 2,50 14,28 14,65 0,07

35a 2,47 14,17 14,53 -0,67

36a 2,20 14,50 14,83 1,21

37a 2,33 14,35 14,69 0,36

39a 2,18 14,65 14,98 2,16

40a 2,47 14,32 14,68 0,30

41a 1,90 14,40 14,68 0,28

49a 1,76 14,49 14,75 0,72

50a 2,28 14,75 15,09 2,91

63a 2,80 14,33 14,74 0,68

71a 2,20 14,47 14,80 1,01

73a 1,62 14,29 14,53 -0,70

77a 2,90 14,20 14,62 -0,07

84a 2,30 14,38 14,72 0,53

92a 2,83 14,13 14,54 -0,59

94a 2,85 14,28 14,70 0,40

100a 1,61 14,25 14,48 -0,96

101a 2,62 14,43 14,82 1,16

102a 2,43 14,10 14,45 -1,17

105a 1,80 14,50 14,77 0,83

113a 2,40 14,46 14,82 1,14

119a 2,45 14,25 14,61 -0,17

122a 2,50 14,10 14,46 -1,10

126a 2,30 14,15 14,48 -0,96

129a 2,55 14,35 14,73 0,57

130a 2,30 14,10 14,43 -1,29

131a 2,32 14,26 14,60 -0,23

132a 2,27 14,33 14,66 0,17

133a 2,20 14,40 14,72 0,56

134a 2,55 14,25 14,62 -0,08

136a 2,28 14,35 14,68 0,31

137a 2,27 14,25 14,58 -0,34

138a 2,69 14,31 14,71 0,45

140a 2,61 14,23 14,61 -0,15

143a 1,75 14,31 14,56 -0,45

147a 1,51 14,45 14,67 0,23

149a 2,80 14,40 14,81 1,14

153a 2,30 14,20 14,53 -0,64

160a 2,30 14,30 14,64 0,0

161a 1,70 14,50 14,75 0,73

163a 2,70 14,20 14,59 -0,26

164a 2,30 14,50 14,84 1,30

165a 1,68 14,10 14,34 -1,86

168a 3,51 12,63 13,09 -9,79

169a 1,70 14,03 14,27 -2,30

175a 1,53 14,26 14,48 -0,97

176a 2,80 14,20 14,61 -0,17

181a 2,30 14,20 14,53 -0,64

182a 2,30 14,00 14,33 -1,93

183a 2,30 14,50 14,84 1,30


OUTLIERS - - 1 1 -

AVERAGE - 2,30 14,30 14,64 -


MEDIAN 14,29 14,64



UoM 0,03 0,03

-3,00

-2,00

-1,00

0,00

1,00

2,00

3,00

Z-SC

OR

E

LABORATORY ID

QUICK ASH Z-SCORE TREND

Page 11 of 22


ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : ISO VOLATILE MATTER (%)

LAB ID MOISTURE IN ANALYSIS SAMPLE (%) AIR DRY DRY BASE Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)

1a 3,06 22,92 23,64 -0,36

6a 1,99 23,57 24,05 0,34

7a 2,88 20,54 21,15 -4,65

8a 2,55 24,05 24,68 1,43

9a 1,88 24,93 25,40 2,67

10a 2,40 23,50 24,08 0,39

12a 2,70 23,00 23,64 -0,37

15a 2,54 22,84 23,44 -0,71

18a 2,76 23,07 23,72 -0,22

20a 2,72 22,77 23,41 -0,76

21a 2,23 23,21 23,74 -0,19

22a 1,74 23,25 23,66 -0,32

23a 2,38 23,23 23,80 -0,09

24a 2,50 23,06 23,65 -0,34

26a 1,64 23,76 24,15 0,52

27a 2,50 23,20 23,79 -0,10

28a 2,25 23,20 23,73 -0,20

30a 1,67 23,05 23,44 -0,70

32a 2,00 23,00 23,47 -0,66

33a 2,10 23,00 23,49 -0,61

35a 2,47 23,59 24,19 0,58

36a 2,20 22,90 23,42 -0,75

37a 2,33 21,08 21,58 -3,90

38a 2,55 23,85 24,47 1,07

39a 2,18 23,65 24,18 0,56

40a 2,47 23,18 23,77 -0,14

41a 1,90 23,30 23,75 -0,17

42a 2,06 23,39 23,88 0,05

44a 2,83 23,43 24,11 0,45

49a 1,76 23,05 23,46 -0,67

50a 2,28 23,35 23,89 0,08

58a 1,96 23,51 23,98 0,22

59a 2,24 23,68 24,22 0,64

60a 2,38 23,00 23,56 -0,50

61a 2,10 23,20 23,70 -0,26

63a 2,80 23,40 24,07 0,39

65a 2,90 22,70 23,38 -0,81

66a 1,98 24,99 25,49 2,83

67a 2,60 23,30 23,92 0,12

69a 2,58 22,88 23,49 -0,63

71a 2,20 23,40 23,93 0,13

72a 2,55 22,98 23,58 -0,46

73a 1,62 24,54 24,94 1,88

76a 1,93 22,50 22,94 -1,56

77a 2,90 24,10 24,82 1,67

78a 1,89 22,70 23,14 -1,23

79a 2,87 22,70 23,37 -0,83

80a 2,07 23,07 23,56 -0,50

82a 2,50 22,48 23,06 -1,37

83a 2,02 23,49 23,97 0,21

88a 2,75 23,30 23,96 0,19

92a 2,83 22,99 23,66 -0,33

94a 2,85 22,65 23,31 -0,92

95a 2,40 23,30 23,87 0,04

96a 1,67 23,53 23,93 0,14

97a 1,67 23,44 23,84 -0,02

98a 2,30 21,41 21,91 -3,33

99a 2,30 23,40 23,95 0,17

100a 1,61 21,29 21,64 -3,81

101a 2,62 22,96 23,58 -0,47

102a 2,43 22,70 23,27 -1,01

105a 1,80 23,60 24,03 0,31

106a 2,88 22,96 23,64 -0,36

108a 2,70 22,40 23,02 -1,43

109a 2,80 22,40 23,05 -1,39

110a 1,87 23,52 23,97 0,20

112a 2,10 24,20 24,72 1,50

113a 2,40 24,13 24,72 1,50

117a 2,28 22,95 23,49 -0,63

119a 2,45 23,50 24,09 0,41

122a 2,50 22,70 23,28 -0,98

124a 1,95 23,31 23,77 -0,13

126a 2,30 22,97 23,51 -0,58

129a 2,55 22,90 23,50 -0,60

130a 2,30 23,50 24,05 0,35

131a 2,32 23,10 23,65 -0,35

132a 2,27 23,25 23,79 -0,10

133a 2,20 24,10 24,64 1,36

134a 2,55 24,13 24,76 1,56

135a 2,27 26,24 26,85 5,16

136a 2,28 23,17 23,71 -0,24

137a 2,27 23,45 23,99 0,25

138a 2,69 23,94 24,60 1,29

140a 2,61 23,52 24,15 0,52

139a 2,80 22,87 23,53 -0,55

143a 1,75 23,66 24,08 0,40

145a 2,37 23,40 23,97 0,20

147a 1,51 23,77 24,13 0,49

151a 2,03 23,23 23,71 -0,24

161a 1,70 23,50 23,91 0,10

165a 1,68 24,50 24,92 1,84

167a 2,06 23,20 23,69 -0,28

168a 3,51 21,38 22,16 -2,91

169a 1,70 23,60 24,01 0,27

170a 2,40 23,40 23,98 0,22

175a 1,53 25,10 25,49 2,82

180a 2,23 17,60 18,00 -10,07

NUMBER OF RESULTS - 97 97 97 -

OUTLIERS - - 3 5 -

AVERAGE - 2,30 23,26 23,85 -

STD DEVIATION - 0,67 0,58 -

MEDIAN 23,25 23,79



UoM - - 0,09 0,08 -

Page 12 of 22

-3,00

-2,00

-1,00

0,00

1,00

2,00

3,00

98a

168a

76a

108a

109a

82a

78a

102a

122a

94a

79a

65a

20a

36a

15a

30a

49a

32a

117a

69a

33a

129a

126a

139a

80a

60a

101a

72a

12a

106a

1a 131a

24a

92a

22a

167a

61a

136a

151a

18a

28a

21a

41a

40a

124a

132a

27a

23a

97a

95a

42a

50a

161a

67a

71a

96a

99a

88a

145a

110a

83a

170a

58a

137a

169a

105a

6a 130a

63a

10a

143a

119a

44a

147a

140a

26a

39a

35a

59a

38a

138a

133a

8a 112a

113a

134a

77a

165a

73a

9a 175a

66a

Z-SC

OR

E

LABORATORY ID

VOLATILE MATTER Z-SCORE TREND


ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : CALORIFIC VALUE (MJ/kg)

LAB ID MOISTURE IN ANALYSIS SAMPLE (%) AIR DRY (MJ/kg) DRY BASE (MJ/kg) Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)

1a 3,06 27,52 28,39 0,31

6a 1,99 27,68 28,24 -0,26

8a 2,55 27,21 27,92 -1,50

9a 1,88 28,13 28,66 1,39

10a 2,40 27,62 28,30 -0,03

12a 2,70 27,47 28,23 -0,29

18a 2,76 27,56 28,34 0,13

20a 2,72 27,87 28,65 1,33

21a 2,23 27,72 28,35 0,17

23a 2,38 27,54 28,21 -0,38

27a 2,50 27,22 27,92 -1,52

28a 2,25 27,70 28,34 0,12

30a 1,67 28,10 28,58 1,05

32a 2,00 27,80 28,37 0,23

33a 2,10 27,85 28,45 0,54

35a 2,47 27,68 28,38 0,28

36a 2,20 27,68 28,30 -0,02

37a 2,33 27,52 28,18 -0,51

38a 2,55 27,28 27,99 -1,22

39a 2,18 27,72 28,34 0,12

40a 2,47 27,75 28,45 0,56

42a 2,06 27,71 28,29 -0,06

44a 2,83 27,43 28,23 -0,31

49a 1,76 27,78 28,28 -0,12

50a 2,28 27,02 27,65 -2,56

58a 1,96 27,61 28,16 -0,57

59a 2,24 27,52 28,15 -0,61

61a 2,10 27,81 28,41 0,38

63a 2,80 27,22 28,00 -1,18

65a 2,90 27,53 28,35 0,17

66a 1,98 27,72 28,28 -0,11

67a 2,60 27,62 28,36 0,19

71a 2,20 27,38 28,00 -1,22

72a 2,55 27,23 27,94 -1,42

73a 1,62 27,68 28,14 -0,67

76a 1,93 27,78 28,33 0,07

77a 2,90 27,69 28,52 0,81

79a 2,87 27,01 27,81 -1,95

80a 2,07 27,45 28,03 -1,08

82a 2,50 27,84 28,55 0,94

83a 2,02 27,91 28,49 0,69

84a 2,30 27,44 28,09 -0,86

88a 2,75 27,68 28,46 0,60

92a 2,83 27,39 28,19 -0,47

94a 2,85 27,48 28,29 -0,09

95a 2,40 27,60 28,28 -0,11

96a 1,67 27,73 28,20 -0,42

97a 1,67 27,73 28,20 -0,42

98a 2,30 27,23 27,87 -1,70

99a 2,30 27,62 28,27 -0,15

100a 1,61 28,10 28,56 0,98

101a 2,62 27,55 28,29 -0,07

102a 2,43 28,18 28,88 2,23

105a 1,80 27,76 28,27 -0,15

106a 2,88 27,51 28,33 0,08

108a 2,70 26,86 27,61 -2,74

109a 2,80 27,59 28,38 0,30

110a 1,87 27,93 28,46 0,60

112a 2,10 27,36 27,95 -1,41

117a 2,28 28,09 28,75 1,70

119a 2,45 27,77 28,47 0,62

122a 2,50 28,12 28,84 2,08

124a 1,95 27,95 28,51 0,77

126a 2,30 27,57 28,22 -0,35

129a 2,55 27,35 28,07 -0,94

130a 2,30 27,52 28,17 -0,55

131a 2,32 27,90 28,56 0,99

132a 2,27 27,11 27,74 -2,21

133a 2,20 27,56 28,18 -0,50

134a 2,55 27,67 28,39 0,32

135a 2,27 27,76 28,40 0,38

136a 2,28 27,75 28,40 0,35

137a 2,27 28,33 28,99 2,65

140a 2,61 27,80 28,55 0,92

143a 1,75 27,74 28,23 -0,29

145a 2,37 27,73 28,40 0,37

147a 1,51 27,59 28,01 -1,15

149a 2,80 27,87 28,67 1,42

153a 2,30 27,79 28,44 0,53

160a 2,30 27,97 28,63 1,25

161a 1,70 28,10 28,59 1,08

163a 2,70 27,58 28,35 0,15

164a 2,30 28,08 28,74 1,69

165a 1,68 27,81 28,29 -0,09

167a 2,06 27,87 28,46 0,58

168a 3,51 27,83 28,84 2,08

169a 1,70 27,61 28,09 -0,86

170a 2,40 27,59 28,27 -0,15

171a 2,68 27,70 28,46 0,60

172a 1,87 27,91 28,44 0,52

175a 1,53 28,00 28,44 0,49

176a 2,80 27,55 28,34 0,14

177a 1,47 27,68 28,09 -0,84

180a 2,23 27,57 28,20 -0,43

181a 2,30 27,33 27,97 -1,30

182a 2,30 27,62 28,27 -0,15

NUMBER OF RESULTS - 96 96 96 -

OUTLIERS - - 0 0 -

AVERAGE - 2,32 27,66 28,31 -


MEDIAN 27,68 28,31



UoM - - 0,04 0,04 -

Page 14 of 22

-3,00

-2,00

-1,00

0,00

1,00

2,00

3,00

108a

50a

132a

79a

98a

27a

8a 72a

112a

181a

38a

71a

63a

147a

80a

129a

84a

169a

177a

73a

59a

58a

130a

37a

133a

92a

180a

96a

97a

23a

126a

44a

12a

143a

6a 170a

105a

99a

182a

49a

95a

66a

165a

94a

101a

42a

10a

36a

76a

106a

28a

39a

18a

176a

163a

65a

21a

67a

32a

35a

109a

1a 134a

136a

145a

135a

61a

175a

172a

153a

33a

40a

167a

110a

88a

171a

119a

83a

124a

77a

140a

82a

100a

131a

30a

161a

160a

20a

9a 149a

164a

117a

122a

168a

102a

137aZ-

SCO

RE

LABORATORY ID

CALORIFIC VALUE Z-SCORE TREND

Page 15 of 22


ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : TOTAL SULPHUR (%)

LAB ID MOISTURE IN ANALYSIS SAMPLE (%) AIR DRY DRY BASE Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)

1a 3,06 0,52 0,54 -0,33

6a 1,99 0,55 0,56 0,16

7a 2,88 0,41 0,42 -2,57

9a 1,88 0,67 0,68 2,54

10a 2,40 0,51 0,52 -0,60

12a 2,70 0,50 0,51 -0,77

15a 2,54 0,45 0,46 -1,79

18a 2,76 0,49 0,50 -0,97

21a 2,23 0,65 0,66 2,19

23a 2,38 0,51 0,52 -0,60

24a 2,50 0,54 0,55 0,0

26a 1,64 0,56 0,57 0,32

27a 2,50 0,52 0,53 -0,39

28a 2,25 0,54 0,55 0,0

30a 1,67 0,52 0,53 -0,48

32a 2,00 0,54 0,55 0,0

35a 2,47 0,55 0,56 0,21

36a 2,20 0,56 0,57 0,38

38a 2,55 0,51 0,52 -0,58

39a 2,18 0,54 0,55 0,0

40a 2,47 0,50 0,51 -0,79

42a 2,06 0,54 0,55 0,0

44a 2,83 0,58 0,60 0,86

49a 1,76 0,54 0,55 0,0

50a 2,28 0,64 0,65 2,00

58a 1,96 0,53 0,54 -0,25

60a 2,38 0,51 0,52 -0,60

61a 2,10 0,52 0,53 -0,43

66a 1,98 0,53 0,54 -0,24

69a 2,58 0,51 0,52 -0,58

71a 2,20 0,53 0,54 -0,22

72a 2,55 0,56 0,57 0,42

76a 1,93 0,55 0,56 0,15

78a 1,89 0,49 0,50 -1,05

79a 2,87 0,34 0,35 -3,98

80a 2,07 0,52 0,53 -0,43

83a 2,02 0,55 0,56 0,16

88a 2,75 0,46 0,47 -1,57

92a 2,83 0,66 0,68 2,47

95a 2,40 0,50 0,51 -0,80

97a 1,67 0,53 0,54 -0,28

99a 2,30 0,55 0,56 0,19

101a 2,62 0,58 0,60 0,83

106a 2,88 0,55 0,57 0,26

107a 2,63 0,58 0,60 0,83

108a 2,70 0,54 0,55 0,0

109a 2,80 0,55 0,57 0,25

110a 1,87 0,52 0,53 -0,46

112a 2,10 0,52 0,53 -0,43

113a 2,40 0,51 0,52 -0,60

119a 2,45 0,52 0,53 -0,39

122a 2,50 0,58 0,59 0,82

126a 2,30 0,63 0,64 1,80

130a 2,30 0,46 0,47 -1,61

131a 2,32 0,63 0,64 1,80

132a 2,27 0,46 0,47 -1,62

133a 2,20 0,53 0,54 -0,22

134a 2,55 0,51 0,52 -0,58

135a 2,27 1,22 1,25 13,64

136a 2,28 0,57 0,58 0,59

137a 2,27 0,65 0,67 2,20

138a 2,69 0,52 0,53 -0,37

139a 2,80 0,52 0,53 -0,42

140a 2,61 0,67 0,69 2,64

143a 1,75 0,55 0,56 0,13

145a 2,37 0,54 0,55 0,00

161a 1,70 0,55 0,56 0,13

165a 1,68 0,80 0,81 5,11

167a 2,06 0,53 0,54 -0,23

168a 3,51 0,52 0,54 -0,28

169a 1,70 0,53 0,54 -0,27

172a 1,87 0,96 0,98 8,34

175a 1,53 0,53 0,54 -0,29

177a 1,47 0,56 0,57 0,30

180a 2,23 0,76 0,78 4,40

183a 2,30 0,52 0,53 -0,41

NUMBER OF RESULTS 76 76 76 -

OUTLIERS - - 5 5 -

AVERAGE - 2,33 0,54 0,55 -

MEDIAN - 0,53 0,54




UoM - - 0,01 0,01

Page 16 of 22

-3,00

-2,00

-1,00

0,00

1,00

2,00

3,00

79a

7a 15a

132a

130a

88a

78a

18a

95a

40a

12a

23a

60a

10a

113a

38a

134a

69a

30a

110a

80a

61a

112a

139a

183a

119a

27a

138a

1a 175a

168a

97a

169a

58a

66a

167a

71a

133a

32a

42a

39a

28a

145a

49a

24a

108a

161a

143a

76a

6a 83a

99a

35a

109a

106a

177a

26a

36a

72a

136a

122a

101a

107a

44a

126a

131a

50a

21a

137a

92a

9a 140a

180a

165a

172a

135aZ-

SCO

RE

LABORATORY ID

TOTAL SULPHUR Z-SCORE TREND


ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : PHOSPHOROUS IN COAL (%)

LAB ID

MOISTURE IN ANALYSIS SAMPLE (%) AIR DRY DRY BASE

Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)

1a 3,06 0,102 0,105 0,18

7a 2,88 0,131 0,135 1,85

9a 1,88 0,083 0,084 -1,00

12a 2,70 0,124 0,127 1,43

15a 2,54 0,082 0,084 -1,00

18a 2,76 0,101 0,104 0,11

21a 2,23 0,086 0,088 -0,79

23a 2,38 0,082 0,084 -1,01

24a 2,50 0,120 0,123 1,19

26a 1,64 0,095 0,096 -0,33

67a 2,60 0,101 0,104 0,10

69a 2,58 0,082 0,084 -1,00

78a 1,89 0,070 0,071 -1,72

108a 2,70 0,109 0,112 0,57

109a 2,80 0,110 0,113 0,63

113a 2,40 0,100 0,102 0,0

112a 2,10 0,101 0,103 0,07

114a 2,63 0,093 0,096 -0,36

138a 2,69 0,108 0,111 0,51

139a 2,80 0,079 0,081 -1,16

169a 1,70 0,165 0,168 3,70

172a 1,87 0,130 0,132 1,71

177a 1,47 0,671 0,681 32,49


OUTLIERS - - 2 2 -

AVERAGE - 2,42 0,099 0,102 -

STD DEVIATION - - 0,017 0,018 -

MEDIAN - 0,101 0,103

ROBUST AVERAGE - - 0,099 0,102

ROBUST STD DEVIATION - - 0,019 0,020

UoM - - 0,005 0,005

-3,00

-2,00

-1,00

0,00

1,00

2,00

3,00

78a 139a 23a 9a 15a 69a 21a 114a 26a 113a 112a 67a 18a 1a 138a 108a 109a 24a 12a 172a 7a 169a 177a

Z-SC

OR

ES

LAB ID

PHOSPHOROUS IN COAL Z-SCORES

Page 18 of 22


ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : TOTAL CARBON (%)

LAB ID


Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)

1a 3,06 69,31 71,50 -0,43

9a 1,88 70,40 71,75 -0,19

12a 2,70 69,30 71,22 -0,68

18a 2,76 70,67 72,68 0,66

21a 2,23 70,17 71,77 -0,17

40a 2,47 72,73 74,57 2,41

42a 2,06 69,50 70,96 -0,92

49a 1,76 70,65 71,92 -0,04

66a** 1,98 69,35 70,75 -1,12

88a 2,75 69,29 71,25 -0,66

99a** 2,30 69,20 70,83 -1,04

108a 2,70 69,86 71,80 -0,15

109a 2,80 69,85 71,86 -0,09

145a** 2,37 72,05 73,80 1,70

177a 1,47 71,67 72,74 0,72


OUTLIERS - - 0 0 -

AVERAGE - 2,41 70,27 71,96 -

MEDIAN - - 69,86 71,77 -




UoM - - 0,40 0,36

REPRODUCIBILITY

UPPER LIMIT - - - 72,96 -

LOWER LIMIT - - - 70,96 -


ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : HYDROGEN (%)

LAB ID


Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)

1a 3,06 3,58 3,69 -0,66

9a 1,88 3,62 3,69 -0,68

12a 2,70 3,74 3,84 0,26

18a 2,76 3,49 3,59 -1,29

21a 2,23 3,82 3,91 0,64

36a 2,20 3,54 3,62 -1,10

42a 2,06 3,77 3,85 0,29

88a 2,75 3,60 3,70 -0,63

99a 2,30 3,63 3,72 -0,52

108a 2,70 3,79 3,89 0,55

109a 2,80 3,85 3,96 0,97

177a** 1,47 4,10 4,16 2,18

Number of results 12 12 12

OUTLIERS - - 0 0 -

AVERAGE - 2,49 3,71 3,80 -

MEDIAN - 3,69 3,78 -




UoM - - 0,06 0,06

REPRODUCIBILITY




ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : NITROGEN(%)

LAB ID


Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)

9a 1,88 1,65 1,68 0,48

12a 2,70 1,75 1,80 1,94

18a 2,76 1,47 1,51 -1,64

42a 2,06 1,64 1,67 0,39

88a 2,75 1,55 1,59 -0,66

99a 2,30 1,60 1,64 -0,07

108a 2,70 1,54 1,58 -0,75

109a 2,80 1,59 1,64 -0,09

177a 1,47 1,65 1,67 0,39

Number of results 9 9 9 -

OUTLIERS - - 0 0 -

AVERAGE - 2,58 1,60 1,64 -

MEDIAN - 1,60 1,64 -


REPRODUCIBILITY



Page 19 of 22


ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : ASH FUSION TEMPERATURES (oC)

LAB ID DEFORMATION SOFTENING HEMISPHERE FLOW

1a 1500 1500 1500 1500

9a 1500 1500 1500 1500

10a 1500 1500 1500 1500

18a 1500 1500 1500 1500

21a 1500 1500 1500 1500

23a 1395 1433 1460 1490

40a 1500 1500 1500 1500

42a 1470 1490 1500 1500

49a 1500 1500 1500 1500

60a 1500 1500 1500 1500

66a 1395 1420 1450 1485

80a 1500 1500 1500 1500

95a 1500 1500 1500 1500

99a 1500 1500 1500 1500

108a 1500 1500 1500 1500

109a 1500 1500 1500 1500

110a 1500 1500 1500 1500

112a 1450 1490 1500 1500

131a 1500 1500 1500 1500

151a 1490 1500 1500 1500

Number of results 20 20 20 20

Outliers 0 3 2 2

AVERAGE 1485 1500 1500 1500

MEDIAN 1500 1500 1500 1500

STDEV 33 0 0 0

REPRODUCIBILITY

UPPER LIMIT 1500 1500 1500 1500

LOWER LIMIT 1405 1440 1440 1420

Z-SCORES

LAB ID DEFORMATION SOFTENING HEMISPHERE FLOW

1a 0,45 0,00 0,00 0,00

9a 0,45 0,00 0,00 0,00

10a 0,45 0,00 0,00 0,00

18a 0,45 0,00 0,00 0,00

21a 0,45 0,00 0,00 0,00

23a -2,70 -3,00 -3,00 -3,00

40a 0,45 0,00 0,00 0,00

42a -0,45 -3,00 0,00 0,00

49a 0,45 0,00 0,00 0,00

60a 0,45 0,00 0,00 0,00

66a -2,70 -3,00 -3,00 -3,00

80a 0,45 0,00 0,00 0,00

95a 0,45 0,00 0,00 0,00

99a 0,45 0,00 0,00 0,00

108a 0,45 0,00 0,00 0,00

109a 0,45 0,00 0,00 0,00

110a 0,45 0,00 0,00 0,00

112a -1,05 -3,00 0,00 0,00

131a 0,45 0,00 0,00 0,00

151a 0,15 0,00 0,00 0,00

Page 20 of 22


ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : ASTM ASH (%)

LAB ID

MOISTURE IN ANALYSIS SAMPLE (%) AIR DRY (%) DRY BASE (%)

Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)

1a 3,06 14,37 14,82 -0,35

109a 2,80 14,60 15,02 1,13

172a 1,87 14,49 14,77 -0,78


OUTLIERS - - 0 0 -

AVERAGE - 2,93 14,49 14,87 -


MEDIAN - - 14,49 14,82 -


ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : ASTM VOLS (%)

LAB ID

MOISTURE IN ANALYSIS SAMPLE (%) AIR DRY (%) DRY BASE (%)

Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)

1a 3,06 23,60 24,34 1,21

108a 2,70 23,20 23,84 -0,02

109a 2,80 23,20 23,87 0,04

172a 1,87 22,91 23,35 -1,24


OUTLIERS - - 0 0 -

AVERAGE - 2,85 23,23 23,85 -


MEDIAN - - 23,20 23,86 -

ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : CHLORINE (ppm)

LAB ID


Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)

12a 2,70 100 103 1,10

108a 2,70 93 96 -0,84

109a 2,80 95 98 -0,26

177a 1,47 279 283 50,05


OUTLIERS - - 1 1 -

AVERAGE - 2,42 96 99 -

STD DEVIATION - - 4 4 -

MEDIAN - - 95 98 -


ANALYTICAL PARAMETER : FLUORINE (ppm)

LAB ID


Z-SCORE (DRY BASE)

1a 3,06 233 240 -1,66

12a 2,70 250 257 0,19

108a 2,70 250 257 0,19

109a 2,80 250 257 0,22

177a 1,47 261 265 1,07


OUTLIERS - - 0 0 -

AVERAGE - 2,82 249 255 -

STD DEVIATION - - 10 9 -

MEDIAN - - 250 257 -

Page 21 of 22

CONCLUSION

1. The overall ISO Ash determination trend was evenly distributed. The average, robust average and median were the same. Two outliers were detected using Grubbs estimate.

2. The overall ISO volatile determination trend was evenly distributed. Five outliers were detected, which

seemed to be due to a combination of calculation and analytical errors.

3. Calorific value graph indicated an almost even z-score trend. No outliers were detected.

4. Sulphur determination had an even z-score trend. Five outliers were detected that seemed to be due to analytical problems related to instrument calibration or swopped samples.

5. Two outliers were detected on phosphorous analysis, one of which seemed like a calculation error and the

other an analytical error. The median, robust average and mean compared well with each other indicating that the extreme values did not affect the centralized values.

6. Carbon, Hydrogen and Nitrogen analysis was well done. No outliers were detected.

7. AFT results: This round of coal had a high melting point. Some laboratories that had melting points less than 1500oC from the softening stage onward, had a z-score of -3 assigned, as the standard deviation had a z-score of zero assigned to it. (cannot divide numbers by zero)

8. Assessment criterion for homogeneity check (From ISO 13528, page 45)

8.1 Comparison of the between sample standard deviation with the standard deviation for proficiency testing Standard deviation for ISO ash =0.14 Check value = 0.14 x 0.3 = 0.042

Between sample standard deviation = 0.043 The between standard deviation is greater than the check value for the criterion assessment for

homogeneity, therefore the following assessment will be used to establish homogeneity:

Calculate ơ2 allow = (0.3 ơpt) 2 = (0.3x0.14) 2 = 0.001764

Calculate c = F1 ơ2 allow + F2s2w = (1.59 x 0.001764) + (0.57 x 0.009801) = 0.008

√𝑐 > 𝑆𝑠 samples are homogenous

√0.008 = 0.091

Since 0.043 is less than 0.091, the batch of test items is homogenous.

COAL CONCEPTS: Terms and Conditions

Return of results:

Page 22 of 22

Laboratories participate in proficiency testing programs on the understanding that they will be sharing their results and information anonymously with other laboratories performing the same analysis. No return of results compromises the spirit of the programs, and reports will not be sent to laboratories unless they return results. Payment in full is required from all laboratories enrolling whether they return results or not. Errors in Participant Proficiency Testing Results: Proficiency testing reports should reflect the level of accuracy that a regular testing client would receive. If a participant finds an error in their proficiency testing results, they may notify us in writing and change their submission PRIOR to the due date for return. Changes after this time will not be accepted. Coal Concepts’ reports results as submitted by participants. On occasion, it seems as though participants have mixed up the samples or not processed the samples according to the instructions. Coal Concepts cannot make assumptions of this nature and change results 'to suit'. We also cannot compromise the integrity of the programs by suggesting to some participants that they should review their results prior to the due date. (This is unfair to other participants) It is the responsibility of the participants to check all aspects of the program, including sample identification, preparation, testing instructions, calculations and reporting of the results prior to results submission. If samples are not in good condition on arrival to the participant laboratory, Coal Concepts must be notified in writing IMMEDIATELY, as often samples can be replaced in good time. Claims about samples received in bad condition will not be accepted after the report has been issued. Late Enrolments and Late Results: Late enrolment requests cannot always be accommodated, as sample manufacture must be scheduled well in advance to the shipping date of the program to allow all necessary quality assurance activities to be carried out. Shipping of PT materials and evaluating test results from PTPs out of cycle with the mainstream programs is considerably time consuming and therefore costly. In order not to disadvantage participants able to comply with time frames, Coal Concepts may charge a late fee in the following circumstances: Requests that Coal concepts staff enters results on behalf of participants Requests to record results after the due date Requests for PTP participation that is out of cycle with the scheduled dates Shipping fees and Customs clearance: Costs incurred for shipping samples and clearance of same through customs are the responsibility of the participating laboratory unless otherwise indicated Non-payment of fees: Coal Concepts retains the right to withhold reports and/or test materials and services when invoices are outstanding. Confidentiality of results: All data and information received by Coal Concepts from its clients are considered confidential unless the client has given express permission to pass on information. Definitions: The dictionary definitions of “collusion” and “falsification” are as follows. · Collusion: A secret agreement or cooperation for a fraudulent or deceitful purpose. · Falsification: Deliberately changing something to be false. In proficiency testing terms, collusion is comparing data (and perhaps changing data) to fit in with a believed “correct” result. This is contrary to the spirit of proficiency testing programs, which are issued with the intention of providing an objective comparison of a laboratory’s performance with others. Coal Concepts tries to minimise the occurrence of collusion by being aware that laboratories should be objective when they report their results, and should therefore not know the intended results at the time they are reporting to us. Answers are not provided to clients until results have been submitted. To prevent collusion and falsification our advice to clients is: DON’T confer with others about PT samples or results. DO accept the fact that everyone makes errors. DON’T average the results or opinions of every person in the laboratory before selecting the answer to be submitted. Instead, use one of the answers AS SUBMITTED to you and take advantage of the Coal Concepts internal QA services and submit all answers generated by the technicians. DO have confidence in your own results. Proficiency Testing (PT) is a compulsory part of laboratory accreditation, but it is also an important tool for giving you confidence in your results. “Enhancing” your PT results with assistance from another participant cannot increase confidence in your laboratory’s performance. Coal concepts’ testing staff are not told what the expected results are, nor what we are expecting. We subject ALL results to analysis, even if they are different. The staff have the right to check that the results we enter on their behalf are correctly transcribed. Clients are always welcome to contact Coal Concepts to seek advice or information about collusion or falsification of data. Policy for Participant Appeal of PT Performance Assessment: If participants disagree with their performance assessment in a proficiency report, they should inform Coal Concepts in writing. The response will include Coal Concepts interpretation of the outcome of the reassessment and an explanation of that outcome. (For example, explanation of a calculation, or the rationale for the outcome of the evaluation.) If a mistake has been made by Coal Concepts, it will be dealt with via Coal Concepts’ non-conformance system. Liability In no event shall a party's liability to the other party for direct damages exceed an amount equal to the value of the amount for the PT Programme, under that specific month End of report

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COAL CONCEPTS PROFICIENCY TESTING GENERAL ANALYSIS … · SABS Commercial SOC Ltd Uitkomst SABS Commercial SOC Ltd Secunda SPTE Lab - Middelburg SABS Commercial SOC Ltd Richards bay